Create Different Throughlines and Signposts

by Robin
(Spain)

Question: I can't see the difference between Overall Throughline and the others. I don't know how I can create different throughlines and signposts following your kind advice. For example, let's take Star Wars. If the climax is when Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or help him, I see things this way:



Overall Signpost #3: Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or save him.

Main Character Signpost#3: Darth Vader must decide between killing his son or save him.

Impact Character Singpost#3: Luke must decide between fighting his father or surrender.

Relationship Singpost#3: Mr. Vader and son fight in an intergenerational struggle.

So in the end, all this signposts are the same event!! And even the same scene!! So what's the point in dividing the story in different throughlines and signposts? I can't find Signposts in Main Character's Throughline different to the Signposts in the Overall Throughline. Could you please explain more accurately those differences? I have read your answer to "Understanding/Identifying Signposts (Harry Potter and Dramatica)" and I feel that your explanation has nothing to do with your article about "Writing an Outline of your Novel." Please help me, because I can't sleep thinking about those things!

Thank you in advance!

Answer(UPDATED): One of the reason I didn't start off the section on writing a novel with a discussion of the throughlines and signposts is because they can get confusing.

And one of the biggest traps is exactly the one you point out. We all (me included) are tempted to simplify things. And one of the ways we simplify our understanding of stories is that we try to take several different story points or arcs and reduce them to one. We have to fight this natural tendency because it can makes our stories more shallow.

In fact, I would argue that one of the distinct advantages of Dramatica is that it forces us to separate and consider other dimensions of a story.

Let me try and make this clearer using The Return of the Jedi. Bear in mind that another word for the 3rd signpost of a throughline is the crisis.

The overall throughline involves or affects most of the characters in the story world and concerns the pursuit of the story goal.
The crisis (in a story with a happy ending) is the moment when all seems lost.

Concern: The fate of the galaxy depends on who will win the conflict -- the rebels or the Imperial troops commanded by Emperor Palpatine.

Crisis: The Emperor reveals the rebels have walked into a trap and are all about to be killed.

Resolution: The rebels manage to turn the tide of battle -- destroy the star destroyer and the death star.

The main character's throughline is about the main character's inner conflict and whether he will change. The crisis is the moment when he must make the ultimate decision on this issue.

Concern: Will Luke become a Jedi or go over to the dark side like his father?

Crisis: If Luke kills Darth at the Emperor's urging, he will cross over to the dark side.

Resolution: Luke resists the temptation and declares himself a Jedi.

The impact character throughline concerns the impact character's influence on the main character.

Concern: Will Darth recruit Luke to the dark side or kill him (which are the options the Emperor has decided on), or will he ally with Luke against the Emperor?

Crisis: When the Emperor attempts to kill Luke, Darth is forced to pick a side.

Resolution: Darth chooses to save Luke and kills the Emperor at the cost of his own life. In doing so, he shows his loyalty has changed.

The relationship throughline concerns the changing relationship between the main and impact characters.

Concern: Will Darth and Luke ultimately rule the galaxy as father and son Sith Lords (creating a Skywalker dynasty), or will Luke redeem Darth so that, as Jedi, they will restore peace and justice to the galaxy?

Crisis: Darth is unable to convert Luke to the dark side but discovers Leia exists and decides she might be turned instead.

Resolution: Luke defeats Darth to protect Leia, establishing himself as the new dominant member of the family. They will be Jedi.

So four different questions or concerns must be resolved in the story. I think if you were to omit any of those concerns -- if the questions were never raised -- the result would be a weaker, less emotionally engaging story.

To have emotional impact, each throughline needs to be a complete arc.

Comments for Create Different Throughlines and Signposts

Click here to add your own comments

Darth Vader for ever...
by: Robin

Thank you so much! It's been really clarifying and now I can sleep properly... From now on, I'll try not to simplify my own signposts!

As for the Star Wars trilogy, first, I had no doubt that, obviously, the Main Character was Luke. But, on second thoughts, I started wondering if the real MC was Mr. Vader, because it was he who changed in the end (besides it was he the protagonist in the new trilogy). Now, after your explanation, maybe you have a point in that question.

Anyway, really interesting your comments on that subject and truly a great work that website! Thanks again!

Response: Glad that helps. One of the unique things Dramatica points out is that not every main character has to change to win. Sometimes, the right choice is to hold your ground, as Luke does in The Return of the Jedi. What's more, if the main character doesn't change, usually the impact character does change and vice versa. - Glen

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and submit your own question/topic! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Plot Invite.